Preparing for an academic job interview
This is a brief set of perceptions about the hiring process for a junior academic tenure stream appointment. I have been interviewed several times and have sat on a number of hiring committees. Make sure you consult with your academic peers and those you trust as you embark on this process.
Copyright, Barbara Crow, July 12, 2004
Finding the job advertisement:
Canada
CAUT Bulletin, Jobs
AUCC, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
CCA, Canadian Communication Association
USA
Other Items of Interest:
Career Services at York , Graduate Students
Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences: TBA
Resources for Research and Teaching Statements:
University of Victoria, Teaching Dossier
University of Guelph, Teaching Dossier
University of Windsor, Interesting and Developed Website on applying for jobs and working in the academy
Make sure part of the ad matches your research and teaching profile.
Prepare an Academic Resume -- Curriculum Vitae:
Covering letter: It should not more than two pages - one 3/4 is best. It should characterize your research and its direction, some kind of statement about teaching, and service (inside and outside of the university). It is critical that you are able to convey that you have done your homework about the institution you are applying to: what attracts you to their program?; what could you teach in their regular offerings?; and/or what could you offer to enhance their curriculum?
Letters of reference: It is the job of faculty to write letters of reference. Do not stress out about asking a faculty member for one. If you are nearing completion of your doctoral degree, your supervisor should be one of your referees. As well, he/she should be reviewing your covering letter and c.v. Make the job very easy for your referee. You can do this by providing your referee with a copy of your c.v. and covering letter. Try to give your referee 6 weeks notice of the application. It is okay to follow up with your referee -- ask one week before letter is due.
Job talk: Practice your job talk in front of your peers or your supervisory committee. Your talk should stay within the time you have been allotted. Do not go over your time! Do not read a published paper. Select your area of research strength and convey where you locate yourself in the existing literature and what your questions and contributions are to this field. If you are asked for a writing sample as part of your file -- ask what kind of writing sample they want.
Committee interview: Answer the questions honestly. The best advice I was given was to go into the interview not wanting the job. Other advice has included remembering that you are interviewing them as well. Ask the committeequestions about the program, the curriculum, administration, structure, and vision. Make sure you have answers for these questions or at least some suggestions.
Teaching a class: If you are asked to teach a class, try to get into a field/discipline of your choice -- not just any class. As well, offer to teach something you know. You suggest what class might be most appropriate. Once a class is assigned ask for the course outline and speak to the professor offering the course about how you can make your work relevant to the class. You shouldn't be spending time preparing two talks -- a job and teaching one. Teach your best lecture or class.
Also, if you can prepare a course outline for the ideal course you would like to teach -- this would also be beneficial -- have photocopies to circulate to interview committee.
Finally, make sure you have done your research about the university - both in general terms and the specific program you are being interviewed for.
Informal part of interview: Universities are beginning to talk about the discriminatory practices in lunches and dinners with candidates. This is a place where people find out -- if you are married, lesbian, single, have a partner looking for work etc. -- information they are not allowed to ask. This can put one in a difficult position -- because you want to be seen as a team player -- you want to find out about the social and political culture of your workplace. However, you do not have to answer these questions.
Job offer: Thank the department for the offer -- and get it in writing either hard copy and/or email. Contact the Faculty Association at the university who has made you the offer and ask them about salaries, computer equipment etc. As well, contact Faculty Associations of universities of comparable size to the one who has made you the offer. Find out what their averages salaries are at various ranks and departments. Salary, research time, sabbatical time, tenure, rank, computers, teaching load -- these are all negotiable items!!! As a first year appointment -- at a minimum --you should expect a computer, one course release and some kind of research funding opportunities for new hires. For example, you can ask for a course release to finish your dissertation and/or to prepare new courses. Deans expect you to negotiate!!
Job acceptance -- Do not sign anything until you have what you consider to be a fair offer -- as your career salary is based on the starting salary you negotiate. Do not be intimidated by a Dean -- it is good to let a Dean know if you have been short listed elsewhere. Do not sign until you have consulted the University's Faculty Association and spoken to at least one feminist friendly faculty member at this university or who works at another university.